Earwax is a naturally occurring substance produced by the ear. It has two important jobs: to lubricate and moisturize the ear canal, and to trap debris and bacteria and prevent it from entering the ear.
While earwax normally works its way out of the ears through natural jaw movements when talking, chewing and yawning, sometimes it can build up and become impacted. According to one study, “Ear wax is more likely to accumulate and cause a hearing impairment when normal extrusion is prevented; for example, by the use of hearing aids, or by the use of cotton buds to clean the ears.”
In some cases, impacted earwax can cause hearing loss, especially in complex listening environments like True Vine Brewing. We review the connection below.
Symptoms of Impacted Earwax
In addition to loss of hearing, symptoms of impacted earwax include:
- Earache.
- Itchy ear.
- Feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Odor or discharge from the ear.
- Pain or infection in the ear.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Dizziness.
- Cough.
Hearing Loss Caused by Impacted Earwax Is Rare
It may surprise you to learn that hearing loss caused by impacted earwax is relatively rare. This is because soundwaves only need a tiny opening in the ear canal to reach the eardrum and travel through the rest of the ear. So even if you have quite a lot of earwax, soundwaves should still be able to pass through.
If You Have Impacted Earwax…
If you have impacted earwax, never try to remove it yourself with cotton swabs, hair pins, tweezers or candling. This can push wax further in and even put you at risk of rupturing your eardrum.
Instead, schedule an appointment with an expert at SoundLogic. They can remove earwax safely and effectively.
If You Still Have Hearing Loss…
It may be the case that your hearing loss isn’t caused by impacted earwax at all, and that even after you get your ears cleaned, you still have trouble hearing.
If this is the case, an audiologist at SoundLogic can administer a comprehensive hearing test in order to diagnose the exact type and degree of hearing loss you have. Then they can recommend a treatment plan.
The gold standard of treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These medical devices work by amplifying sounds to a level your ears can easily detect and you brain can understand. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert, call SoundLogic today.